Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ready Georgia?

Launched January 2008, Ready Georgia is a statewide campaign of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA/HS) that motivates Georgians to take action to prepare for a disaster. GEMA is a state agency responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery in order to save lives, protect property and reduce the effects of disaster.

The Ready Georgia campaign provides a local dimension to Ready America, a broader national campaign that focuses on educating citizens so they are better prepared for disasters. The Georgia campaign, supported by Gov. Nathan Deal, the Ad Council and The Home Depot, seeks to coordinate a cohesive statewide program and a call to action regarding emergency preparedness. The campaign uses an interactive Web site, online community toolkit, public service announcements and advertising and public awareness media messaging to reach its audiences.

What are the key messages of Ready Georgia?

Ready Georgia has three main messages:

Be Informed – Be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and appropriate responses.

Make a Plan – Create a disaster preparedness plan that includes specific information about how you expect to reconnect with loved ones, evacuate or reach safety. Periodically conduct fire drills and other activities so that a plan will be in place for various types of emergencies.

Build a Kit – Create a Ready kit by making sure you have the items outlined in the Ready Georgia checklist. Most items are inexpensive and readily available at local home stores.

Who tends to be the least prepared for emergencies in the state of Georgia?

According to a February 2010 statewide survey conducted on behalf of GEMA, those Georgians who are the least prepared tend to be:

Younger than 45

Black or Hispanic

Living in a household with an income lower than $55,000

Living in metro Atlanta

Living in a household with children

To what type of emergencies is Georgia susceptible?

Georgia is susceptible to all types of man-made and natural disasters. History has proven that Georgia is likely to experience tropical storms, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, winter ice storms, wildfires, chemical spills and drought. Georgia is also susceptible to terrorist attacks and pandemic outbreaks, both of which can occur with little or no warning.

Who should I contact before an emergency?

Before a disaster strikes, you should contact your local emergency management agency. Find out who your local emergency manager is here. Make that contact information part of your emergency preparedness plan. If you need help during an emergency, call 9-1-1.

What can the average person do to be productive in the call for emergency preparedness?

Ready Georgia’s Online Toolkit contains information that any organization can use to host local events.

It includes ideas and materials such as press releases, flyers and newsletter articles you might need in planning your own Ready Georgia event. This toolkit is designed to help you bring emergency preparedness to center stage in your community. Please see the online community toolkit for a list of things people can do to help make a difference.

Is there an educational component of the campaign geared specifically toward Georgia’s children?

Children are often the best motivators for change. They are also fast learners. The Ready Georgia Web site contains a localized ReadyKids page with interactive games, videos and more. Ready Kids was launched by the national Ready campaign in 2006 as a tool to help parents and teachers educate children ages 8 – 12 about emergencies and how they can help get their family prepared. The program includes a family-friendly Web site, ReadyKids, and in-school materials developed by Scholastic Inc. and Discovery Education. The campaign mascot, Rex, is also available for community appearances and more.

What should the disabled or elderly do to plan for emergencies?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 600,000 families in Georgia have a family member with a disability and almost 800,000 Georgians are over age 65. In case of an emergency, these people might require special assistance. If you or someone you know needs special assistance in the event of an evacuation, contact your local emergency management agency as part of your planning. For more information, see Ready Georgia’s dedicated Web pages for Older Georgians and Georgians with Special Needs.

What can businesses do to prepare for emergencies?

Georgia businesses form the backbone of the state’s economy, which is why it is crucial that companies are able to operate following a disaster. A commitment to being prepared protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival. To help in the planning process, Ready Georgia offers its “Ready Your Business” guide that any company can use to better prepare. The guide can be downloaded here. Presentation tools for business continuity planning are also available in Ready Georgia’s Online Toolkit.

Does Ready Georgia offer preparedness experts to speak at events?

Ready Georgia does offer a Speakers Bureau to deliver the important message of preparedness to businesses, associations, service organizations, religious groups, schools and others. To request a speaker, email ready@ready.ga.gov or submit an online request.

Can I promote Ready Georgia through my own Web site?

The Ready Georgia campaign offers any Web site the tools to help spread the message of preparedness. A Ready Georgia Web magnet that links to ready.ga.gov can be downloaded here. Instructions are posted as well.

Where can I get more information about Ready Georgia and emergency preparedness?

For more information, look around Ready Georgia’s Web site. Detailed, Georgia-specific preparedness information can be found in addition to tools for creating a customized Ready kit checklist and communications plan to help keep you and your family safe for at least the first 72 hours following a disaster. You can also request information by emailing ready@ready.ga.gov.